Calling it “Progressive inflammatory neuropathy”, the CDC issued a release concerning this new condition that many likened to HIV when it was first discovered. This was first discovered among workers at a Quality Pork Processors in Austin, MN.
The workers were affected when they apparently were at the ”head table”. This is located in the processing plants where the meat is carved off the back of hog heads for use in cold cuts, hot dogs, and where products like brains, snouts, and ears are harvested.

According to the Post Bulletin, there were 17 people affected with more at other plants around the nation. In interviews of some of those affected, the symptoms were extreme.

“I got to the point where my son would put my walker in front of me, and he”d hold down on the walker so I could use that to pull myself out of the chair,” said Susan Kruse, the only victim to go public so far.
Most continue to work — some, despite seemingly insurmountable physical limitations, said health and industry officials.
Although steroid and other treatments have helped, the term “recovered” can”t be used because they continue to experience the effects of spine and nerve inflammation.
Several people diagnosed locally with PIN said their symptoms were so severe that they awoke unable to move; had to use wheelchairs; or lost sensation in their arms, legs, feet or hands. Others had loss of feeling, tingling, pain and numbness in their lower extremities.
Seventeen people — men and women of several races — were sickened nationwide at three slaughterhouses: QPP, Indiana Packers Corp in Delphi, Ind.; and the Hormel plant in Fremont, Neb. [postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=335209&z=28]

Read the CDC release on this:
http://wingswatchman.org/WordPress/2008/03/31/investigation-of-progressive-inflammatory-neuropathy/

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